Fastening for end-gates



(No Model.)

J. W. SPAPFORD.

FASTENING FOR END GATES.

No. 349,537. Patented Sept. 21, 1886.

. UNITE STATES PATENT Orricn,

JOHN W'ALLAOE SPAFFORD, OF AKRON, OHIO.

FASTENING FOR EN D-GAT-ES.

QIECIIEICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 349,537, datedSeptember 21, 1886.

Application tiled March 12, 1886. Serial No. 194,935.

- specification.

My invention relates to an improvement in fastenings for end-gates ofwagons; and it consists in the combination of a suitable frame, which isapplied to the top edge of the rear end of the wagon-body, a U-shapedspring, whiehis placed in the body, and a catch,

v which is made triangular at the center of its shank, where it passesthrough the spring, as will be more fully described hereinafter.

The object of my invention is to provide a cheap and simple fasteningfor end-gates of .through which the catch B passes.

wagons, and in which the catch is held in any desired position by meansof a U shaped spring.

Figure 1 is a vertical section taken through the frame to one side ofthe catch. Fig. 2 is a vertical cross section of the same, taken throughthe spring.

A represents a suitable inclosi ng-case, which isadapted to be fastenedto the top edge of the rear end of the wagon bed or body, and This catchis provided with ashank, which is long enough to extend horizontallythrough the body, and through which shank, at each end of the body, ispassed a holding device, 0, of any suitable construction, and whichprevents the catch (No model.)

irom moving endwise and thus becoming displaced. The central portion ofthis shank is made triangular, as shown at B, where it passes throughthe U-shaped spring F, which is secured to the under side of the top barof the frame. This spring has its ends to approach very near to eachother, so as to correspond to the shape of the triangular portion of theshank, whereby when an attempt is made to turn the catch in eitherdirection this triangular portion of the shank will act as a Wedge toforce the ends of the spring apart, and thus cause the two prongs of thespring to impinge against the edges of the shank with sufficient forceto hold the catch in any position into which it may be adjusted. Whenthe endgate is to be opened or closed, the catch is turned partiallyaround, so as not to engage with the top edge of the gate; but after thegate has been closed the catch is turned down, so as to catch over itstop edge, and thushold it in position. This catch, as above constructed,is also adapted to be used in fastening a wagonseat to the box.

Having thus described my invention, I

claim-- The combination of the frame, the catch B, having a shank whichis made triangular in cross sectiomand the U-shaped spring, which isapplied to the under side of the top. of the frame, and which holds thecatch in any position into which it may be adjusted, substantially asshown and described.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in

